GOP Chair, Jeff Frederick Tussle over 2004 Dispute

John Hager, the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said yesterday he's increasingly confident that party activists will reelect him to a full term, even though Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William) is vying for the job.

In an meeting with Washington Post editors and reporters, Hager said "the Republican Party needs stability, continuity and leadership."

"If I thought I needed to get out of the way to allow that happen, I would be happy to do that," Hager said. "I don't think it's about me, its about the party's business."

Hager, 71, also took a swipe at Frederick, 32. Hager said Frederick is running out of "youthful exuberance."

Hager then mentioned that Frederick got into a legal tussle with the party in 2004 over of a contract his company, GXS Strategies, had with the Virginia GOP for software.

"What can Jeff Frederick do?" Hager asked. "He has never been to a meeting or done anything for the party except sue it."

Frederick, chief executive officer of GXS strategies, said neither he nor his company ever sued the state party. He said there was a issue related to a contract for software, but the matter was quickly resolved.

"We had a disagreement with the party but we settled it," Frederick said.

Frederick then accused Hager of getting "dirty."

"He cannot run on the merits of his chairmanship so now he has to get into the dirt," Fredericks said.

I got Jeff's letter and he is 100% on the money. He is what we need to turn the GOP around. He's battle-tested and no matter what one might think of him, he makes things happen and obviously knows how to win elections.